Tuesday, May 20, 2008

STD Testing

A few days ago, Amber, JT, and I went to the free clinic in Springfield to get tested for STDs in order to create a video blog about the experience for Beautiful Flower and Penis. We were hoping that, by setting an example, kids would feel better about going out to get their goods looked at.

When we got there, we found a stack of three numbers on the reception desk, which we dispersed amongst ourselves. Minutes passed, and it became clear to us that those numbers represented the three individuals who would be seen that morning by the clinic nurse. Three people. Once we realized this, we immediately gave up our numbers to the others who had shown up. It was painfully obvious that their needs greatly outweighed our own.

As we left the clinic, we were absolutely sickened by the entire situation. It turns out that only three people are seen two (thanks, Amber!) times a day. The population of Springfield is 151580, with approximately 16% living at a poverty level. I fail to see how this can adequately meet the needs of the city. How are we supposed to stop the spread of STDs, much less offer somewhere to be seen for maintaining your general health, when the free clinic is so limited in its capabilities?

Teh Juggernauts immediately took action. JT is planning on speaking at a community meeting to funnel more funding towards the free clinic, Amber is contacting various media outlets, and I...am bitching about it on the interwebz. 'Cause I'm cool like that.

Anyhow, since I am about 300 miles away from Springfield at the moment, I thought that I would look up some places you can go be tested for STDs.

The Free Clinic

This choice isn't for everyone and is very limited (*ahem*, see above experience), but it is still a valid option.

Always a good option. They offer a wide range of services for a nominal fee. And, as far as I can tell, they are thoroughly nonsketchy.

College Health Facility

For us college kids, this is a good way to go. It's always cheaper than going to a regular doctor...but it can be a little bit sketchy. As far as I know, Taylor Health and Wellness at MSU doesn't offer STD testing. It turns out that they do offer on site STD testing. Thanks, Carly!

Your Lady Parts/Dude Thingies Doctor

I suppose this is the most obvious option, but can get pretty pricey. But knowing what's up with your junk is very integral to anyone's well being.

Planned Parenthood does the normal STD line-up. (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, etc.) They charge about 110.00 per person, usually, although they having funding right now that reduces the fees to about 55.00 per person.

About Teh Blog

This blog exists because ideas have the power to change the world. All the contributors to this journal (a congregation of dedicated nerds) share an overwhelming appreciation for logic, reason, science, and using these things to try and make the world a better place.

The name "Teh Juggernauts" comes from the original group who decided to marry their efforts together in Fall of '07 at Missouri State University. It is what we jokingly (or in stark seriousness, you decide) called ourselves after making the news or after successfully defending our ideas.

Some of the entries here will consist of us just being silly, but many of them will contain the fruits of our research and/or the logical justification for why we believe the things we do. Ideas are not owned by anybody and, as such, you may feel free to use anything you read here - though if you'd link to us in some form or fashion in exchange, that would be excellent.

Enjoy.

Who Are Teh Juggernauts?

Ryan:

Ryan is the angry one. He argues as eloquently as he is able until he gets frustrated with people ignoring his logic and changing the subject; then he whips it out and blatantly mocks mo'fuggas. One time, Ryan beat up a velociraptor.

Amber is the researcher. She will tell you why you are wrong and back it up with citations. She is grueling away in a doctoral program in Experimental Psychology at University of Arkansas. Her soft spot for reason and logic has led to a intelligence paraphilia. Her other hobbies include talking about sex and dumpster diving.

If the question concerns science or the rejection of god, JT will likely be unable to resist weighing in. JT co-founded the MSU Chapter of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which he lead for a year. He also started the MSU Atheist Alliance. JT has had letters and guest columns published in several newspapers, including the Standard and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. In the Fall of 2007, JT was a panelist for the MSU Open Forum on Faith.

Lauren is the resident badass of the group. She is responsible for making the others part of the most kickass shenanigans her retardedly awesome mind can come up with. An art major at MSU, she spends most of her time making pretty pretty FSM inspired pictures to get people talking about religion and life in general. Additionally, she has been classically trained to rock your fuckin' socks off. Give 'em a taste, LA.

Carly is the sweet one. She videoblogs and composes music. Despite her tendency to care less about working on her debating skills than the rest of the group, Carly does feel very strongly about many of the issues that this blog intends to address. She acts as a visual record keeper for the numerous actions of the group, which are posted in video form at RobotSushi Publishing. She also produces the online sex show Beautiful Flower and Penis, which features the other members of the gang. She was there the day Ryan beat up that velociraptor.